Grilled halloumi recipes recipe for summer meals
Grilled Halloumi Recipes for Summer Meals Okay, let’s talk about halloumi. If you haven’t tried this magical cheese yet, you are seriously missing out. It’s the cheese that grills like a dream—no melting into a sad puddle, just golden, crispy goodness. I first had it at a friend’s BBQ last summer, and I swear, I’ve…
Grilled Halloumi Recipes for Summer Meals
Okay, let’s talk about halloumi. If you haven’t tried this magical cheese yet, you are seriously missing out. It’s the cheese that grills like a dream—no melting into a sad puddle, just golden, crispy goodness. I first had it at a friend’s BBQ last summer, and I swear, I’ve been obsessed ever since. It’s salty, squeaky (yes, squeaky), and perfect for throwing on the grill when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.
This summer, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to serve grilled halloumi—because let’s be real, it’s too good to just eat plain (though no judgment if that’s your thing). So here’s my go-to recipe, plus some fun twists to keep things interesting. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Recipe Card
Recipe Title: Grilled Halloumi with Lemon & Herbs
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 block halloumi cheese (about 8 oz), sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
Directions:
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, make sure it’s nice and hot before you start.
- Brush both sides of the halloumi slices with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives it that gorgeous golden crust.
- Grill the halloumi for about 3-4 minutes per side, until you get those beautiful grill marks and the cheese is slightly softened but still holds its shape.
- While the halloumi is grilling, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the halloumi is off the grill, drizzle it with the lemon-herb mixture and a little honey if you’re using it. Garnish with mint leaves if you want to impress your friends.
- Serve immediately—because let’s be honest, no one can resist hot, grilled cheese for long.
And there you go. Simple, right? But oh man, the flavors are anything but basic. The lemon cuts through the saltiness of the cheese, the herbs make it feel fancy, and the honey? Well, that’s just a little sweet surprise that ties it all together.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 8g | 24g | 18g |
Ingredient Swaps
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Fresh thyme & oregano | Dried herbs (use ⅓ of the amount) |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave |
| Lemon | Lime (for a different zing) |
Tips
- Don’t move the halloumi around too much while grilling. Let it sit so it gets those nice char marks.
- If your halloumi is super salty, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before grilling to mellow it out.
- No grill? No problem. A cast-iron skillet works just as well—just crank up the heat.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the lemon-herb mix ahead, but grill the halloumi right before serving. It’s best fresh off the heat.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Halloumi doesn’t freeze well after grilling—it gets rubbery. Just eat it all (not that that’s a problem).
Q: Where do I even buy halloumi?
A: Most grocery stores have it near the feta or specialty cheeses. If you can’t find it, ask the cheese person—they’ll hook you up.
So that’s my grilled halloumi obsession in a nutshell. It’s stupidly easy, totally delicious, and perfect for summer nights when you want something quick but still feel like you’re treating yourself. Throw it on a salad, stuff it in a pita, or just eat it straight off the grill—no rules here.
That’s it. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know how it goes if you try it!
